Words: Ka Youn | Photos: Cara Kealy
Venue: Union Chapel (London, UK) | Date: 30th June 2025

Last Monday, Laufey returned to London for an intimate solo show at Union Chapel, following her stunning performance at the Royal Albert Hall last year. Fans began lining up early, many dressed like her with delicate ribbons and ethereal, angel-like dresses. The audience ranged from teenagers to older listeners, a clear reflection of her broad and diverse fanbase.

Laufey entered the chapel dressed like an angel herself, mirroring her fans. She picked up her guitar and opened with her newest song Silver Lining, instantly transforming the sacred atmosphere of the church and inviting us into her magical musical world. We were then treated to one of her most beloved hits, Valentine, a tender story of a young girl falling in love. This was followed by Falling Behind, which offered a more bittersweet perspective on love. It made me wonder what kind of experiences she must have had. She then introduced an unreleased song about returning home to Iceland and letting go of negativity. The piece was calm, peaceful, and deeply healing.


Moving to the piano, she performed Dreamer. True to its name, the song felt like drifting into a dream, especially with her angelic cape flowing as she played her beautiful melodies. Next came Promise, my personal favourite. The lyric, “It hurts to be something, but it’s worse to be nothing with you,” pierced through the room and straight into my heart, which was made even more powerful by the intimacy of the venue. Goddess followed, revealing a bolder, more powerful side of Laufey’s voice. Although it was my first time seeing her live, I was stunned by the raw emotion in her delivery. It felt like a silent mourning, and I found myself on the verge of tears during this and the previous song.

She returned to the guitar for Bored, a sweet and playful track, and her new release Lover Girl, another charming and light-hearted take on love. Another standout moment was Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self, which felt like a gentle message not only to her younger self but also to her younger fans to embrace their flaws and find confidence in who they are. The crowd sang along joyfully to From the Start, one of her biggest hits, creating a heart-warming atmosphere. The concert closed with an unreleased track, leaving behind a tender, lingering emotion that made the night unforgettable.


I absolutely loved the entire concert. Each song told a story that felt universally relatable in some way. The set was beautifully curated, and the intimacy of Union Chapel added a unique magic to the performance. 


Laufey's highly anticipated third album 'A Matter of Time' is out on August 22nd. The album is a beautiful introspection about the anguish that comes with life and love.